Home > Special Insights Archive > February - March 2003 > A Message from Max

My family has been a real inspiration to me. My wife Joyce and I have two wonderful children. The oldest, Connie, is an intelligent young woman of 23, while Craig is an active teenager of 14. Craig was born with Down Syndrome, and, despite my initial shock, my daughter's words at the time still ring in my head: "at least he's ours," she said.

Since then, Joyce and I have faced some challenges, but finding the best way to help Craig educationally has been one of the most demanding. Although we continue to learn things every day, we have been fortunate enough to develop relationships with a number of other parents of children with special needs, knowledgable professionals, and other youths with disabilities. As a result, we have been inspired to assist parents who are going through a similar struggle. This is why I am so committed to the Parent Network's mission.

In addition, I have recently been appointed to the New York State Education Department's Commissioner's Advisory Panel. This group is unique in that it has profound influence on the standards and policies being set for special education. That being said, I ask you to feel free to write, email, or call me directly to share any issues or concerns you feel are important. I will do my best to see these concerns addressed. By doing so, I know that all of us, working together, can make this world a better place for our kids. And isn't that what being a parent is all about?

Send Max an email at: med@parentnetworkwny.org

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